Question

The collector plate in an experiment on photoelectric effect is kept vertically above the emitter plate. A light source is put on and a saturation photocurrent is recorded. An electric field is switched on that has a vertically downward direction.
(a) The photocurrent will increase.
(b) The kinetic energy of the electrons will increase.
(c) The stopping potential will decrease.
(d) The threshold wavelength will increase.

Answer 1

(b) The kinetic energy of the electrons will increase.

As there is no effect of electric field on the number of photons emitted, the photoelectric current will remain same. Hence, option (a) is incorrect.

When an electric field is applied, then electric force will act on the electron moving opposite the direction of electric field, which will increase the kinetic energy of the electron. Hence, option (b) is correct.

As the kinetic energy of the electron is increasing, its stopping potential will increase. Hence, option (c) is incorrect.

Threshold wavelength is the characteristic property of the metal and will not change. Hence, (d) is incorrect.